HR 700 Introduction to Human Rights

This course serves as an introduction to human rights in theory and practice, with special attention to political science and international legal theories on international norms and state behavior. This includes a historical overview on the development (and struggle) over the creation human rights in the twentieth century, key controversies over human rights, particularly issues relating to cultural and regional differences, and the divisions and hierarchies within human rights. In addition, this course will cover the competing philosophical and political traditions that have contributed to human rights and their development. Students will also become familiarized with key international human rights documents- both legal and quasi legal and consider the ways in which human rights informs contemporary political events today.